To protect critical habitat for wildlife, City Light began purchasing key parcels of land in 1991. Examples of acquisitions include wetlands, upland and riverine habitats. Target species, such as the bald eagle, influence some purchases but the goal is to benefit multiple species.

Seattle City Light teamed with state and federal resources agencies, Native American tribes and several conservation organizations to protect more than 14,000 acres in the Skagit and South Fork Nooksack River basins. Of this total acreage, City Light owns more than 8,000.

The Nature Conservancy honored this successful City Light program with a public service award in 1998.